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Therapeutic bodywork

Siddha Vaidya Massage

Siddha Vaidya is an ancient medical system originating in southern India, based upon the use of herbal and herbal/mineral formulations.

Treatments for conditions are prepared by skilled herbalists using time-honoured and proven formulas for use internally and externally.

Foremost among the external treatments is the Ella Kirrhi (pronounced Kiddi). The ELLA KIRRHI process is considered by traditional siddha healers to be of particular therapeutic value on such conditions as:

  • Rheumatic pain
  • Muscle spasm
  • Arthritic and joint pain
  • Post trauma stress
  • Collagen disorders
  • Immune mediated disorders
  • Paralytic disorders such as stroke

The tradition

What is Siddha Vaidya Massage?

Kadama working with focused, careful hands on a client's foot during a treatment

Siddha Vaidya is an ancient medical system originating in Southern India, based upon the use of herbal and herbal/mineral formulations. Treatments for conditions are prepared by skilled herbalists using time-honoured and proven formulas for use internally and externally.

The signature treatment

Siddha Vaidya: Ella Kirrhi is Unique

Kadama working a heated herbal poultice into a client's back during an Ella Kirrhi treatment

The herbal oils used in the treatments are 100% natural, and are imported directly from India, having been prepared personally by a Siddha herbalist according to centuries old formulas held in custodianship by the Harichandran family of Siddha Vaidyas (practitioners / healers).

In my personal experience having undergone several Ella Kirrhi treatments and my observations as a massage therapist I have realised that a crucial factor in the efficacy of treating muscular tension and pain is the pliability and “receptivity” of muscle tissue.

The use of conventional massage relying as it does on the use of friction, heat lamps and trigger points, often does not heat and relax the muscle tissue sufficiently for the massage to be of long lasting benefit.

Ella Kirrhi is fundamentally unique since the use of deep penetrative heat together with the medicinal properties of the herbal oil bring about an enhanced state of relaxation at deeper levels.

The body is a whole system, and often pain in one part is the result of tension and stresses in seemingly unrelated areas, and it is therefore the aim of the treatment process to address not only specific areas of discomfort but to bring about an enhanced state of relaxation thus restoring balance and harmony.

The effects of thorough relaxation are:

  • Reduced mental stress / anxiety
  • Better sleep
  • Improved concentration
  • Healthier immune system
  • An overall sense of well being

The treatment

How and Why It Works

Apart from the more apparent application in the treatment of muscular pain, it is interesting to ponder the complementary effects of the process and how this is related to not only pain relief but to the enhanced sense of well being that one experiences.

The human skin is said to be the body's largest organ with a surface area of 1.5 to 2 sq metres. It is composed of a complex variety of inter related components and is responsible for a variety of functions from sensation and blood / lymph circulation to heat regulation, excretion and absorption.

The science

Functional Physiology

A ceramic bowl of dark herbal oil with fresh leaves and a wrapped herbal poultice

The initial local effect of the heated herbal poultice is an increase in capillary circulation and stimulation of sweat glands resulting in the removal and excretion of some accumulated wastes through the skin. The increased perfusion through the pores means an increase in absorption of active agents from the medicated oil.

Because the action of high heat works on a local and general level, there is a stimulation and response from other systems as well.

Initially there is a phase of erythema (reddening) that is accompanied by the release of heat shock proteins that stimulate immune response and elimination of abnormal cells. Opioids, the bodies naturally occurring pain killers, as well as endorphins, enkaphalins, dynorphins and various neuropeptides and neurotransmitters as well as literally dozens of other bio-molecules are also activated.

These treatments have produced anecdotal improvements in many chronic pain situations including severe back pain related to lumbar fractures, arm / shoulder pain related to brachial nerve tension, ‘frozen shoulder,’ neck and upper back pain as well as chronic pain resulting from repetitive strain injuries.

Important

Contra-Indications

It is important to note that such treatments though very suited to dealing with ‘chronic’ long term pain resulting from injuries, it is highly recommended that acute injuries or trauma such as sprains etc and the associated inflammation that often accompanies these should firstly be addressed accordingly, to avoid aggravating the condition.

Bookings

Price & Appointments

Treatment

60 – 75 mins. By private appointment only.

$120

Home visit

On the Sunshine Coast.

$150

Note: This is not a “full body / relaxation” massage as offered by other therapists. It has been found to have a high degree of success for people who have specific ‘chronic’ issues, such as back, shoulder, or neck pain.

Discounts are available for courses of 3 or more treatments (pre-paid).

Pensioner and unemployed discounts also available.

Get in Touch

The easiest way to book a class or a massage is to call me directly.

0403 892 674

Or Send a Message

Or call 0403 892 674, usually the fastest way to reach me.